We need to prepare now for future superstorms

6:54 PM,
Nov. 12, 2012

Downed wires and damaged trees on Old Colony Road in Edgemont, Nov. 7. Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc throughout the region. At the same time, utility company officials face building criticism for their preparations in advance of the storm and for how they responded to outages.

Written by

Shelley Mayer

Superstorm Sandy has made it clear what we should have known before - we are not adequately prepared for the severe storms and flooding brought about by climate change.

Our electricity infrastructure is woefully inadequate in the face of these new kinds of storms. And the manager of these services in our area - Con Edison - appears to lack the manpower, training and the sophistication that is required to respond to outages, downed lines, and the need to restore services during weather emergencies.

It is simply unacceptable that it takes two weeks to get the lights back on. I have a three-point ...